24-year-old Lady makes history as first female commercial pilot in Rwanda, achieves dream.
24-year-old, Esther Mbabazi has made history as Rwanda’s first-ever female commercial pilot, breaking barriers and inspiring countless others in East Africa.
Esther’s passion for flying took root at the tender age of five when she gazed at an airplane slicing through the sky. “I want to be the one flying that plane,” she thought. Despite growing up in a country that had never seen a female pilot, her conviction remained unwavering.
“You know what? I’m going to fly, and that’s what motivated me my entire life—this idea I had as a young 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥,” she explained.
Esther’s path to success was not without obstacles. At just eight years old, she experienced the devastating loss of her father in a plane crash.
While some family members feared her aviation dreams stemmed from unresolved trauma, Esther clarified that her aspirations were fueled by her love for flying, not her past. Her father’s tragic death, instead of deterring her, strengthened her resolve.
“I love the adventure. Every day is different. Even if I’m flying to the same destination, something will be unique. That’s what I enjoy most about my job—each day brings its own excitement,” she shared.
Esther refused to let societal stereotypes hold her back. “It’s a modern world. I have no fear of heights, and I like machinery,” she asserted. Her career has also not been without challenges.
On one occasion, a male passenger refused to board her flight after discovering she was the pilot. But Esther chose to focus on the overwhelming support she receives. “For every person who doubts me, there are thousands more who celebrate and uplift me,” she said.
She credits Rwanda’s progressive stance on women’s empowerment for creating opportunities for her and others like her. “In Rwanda, we’re seeing more women in non-traditional roles. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come as a nation,” she noted.
Esther’s achievements extend beyond breaking barriers. She has flown RwandAir’s Airbus A330 and CRJ-900 aircraft and was recently inducted into the Captain’s Club of the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21).
“You know, a lot of leadership roles in Rwanda are held by women. I think Rwanda is doing a great job training and supporting women in all aspects of life,” she said.
Esther’s story has inspired many young girls across Rwanda and beyond. She receives countless letters from aspiring female pilots who see her as a role model.
“Everything starts with a dream. Study math, ignore the naysayers, and think about what stands between you and your dream—then completely ignore it,” Esther advised.
